Micanol cream (dithranol)

What is it used for?

How does it work?

Micanol cream contains the active ingredient dithranol, which is a medicine applied to the skin to treat psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a condition in which thickened, scaly patches or plaques of skin form. These are the result of excessive production of skin cells.

Dithranol works by slowing down the process of skin cell production. It is applied only to the psoriasis plaques and not to normal healthy skin. The dithranol is absorbed into the skin cells and inhibits DNA replication in these cells. This slows down cell division and stops the cells from multiplying excessively. In turn, this reduces the thickening and scaling of the skin and clears up the psoriasis plaques.

Dithranol can irritate and stain the skin, so the treatment is usually only applied for a short time every day. This is called 'short contact therapy'. The strength of dithranol used is gradually increased so that the skin becomes used to the treatment.

Micanol cream comes in two strengths, 1% and 3%. Treatment should start with the 1% cream on small patches of affected skin only. If your skin has not improved after one to two weeks and you don't have any signs of skin irritation, treatment can progress to the higher strength 3% cream. However, this strength is only available on prescription from your doctor and should only be used under medical supervision. If your skin gets irritated by using the 3% cream you should go back to using the 1% cream.

Micanol cream should be applied to the affected areas of skin once every 24 hours and should then be washed off with lukewarm water, usually no more than 30 minutes after application. If you haven't used dithranol before, you should not leave the cream on for longer than 10 minutes at first. If this doesn't irritate your skin, you can gradually increase the time you leave the cream on to 30 minutes, over a period of about seven days, depending on how your skin reacts.

You can also use Micanol cream to treat psoriasis on the scalp. First wash the hair with shampoo, then rinse and apply Micanol cream while the hair is still damp. Leave in contact for up to 30 minutes and then rinse off using plenty of lukewarm water only.

The daily treatment should be continued until the psoriasis plaques have cleared up, as long as your skin doesn't become irritated by the cream.

Warning!

Follow the instructions provided with this medicine carefully. Micanol cream should only be applied to the areas of skin affected by psoriasis, as it can cause severe irritation to the surrounding normal skin. Take care to avoid getting the cream on normal healthy skin and avoid contact with the eyes and face. Use only a small amount of cream and rub it in gently and thoroughly until it no longer smears. You should wash your hands thoroughly immediately after applying the cream, or wear gloves to apply it.

The cream must be washed off usually no more than 30 minutes after application, using plenty of lukewarm water only. DO NOT use hot water, soap or shampoo to wash off the cream, as this can damage the cream base and result in increased staining or irritation of the skin. You can use soap or shampoo to wash the skin or hair, but only after all the cream has been rinsed off.

Take care that the cream doesn't get into the eyes or on the face when washing it out of the hair. If you accidentally get the cream in the eyes or on the face, wash it off with plenty of lukewarm water.

Micanol stains skin. This is not harmful and will gradually fade within one to two weeks after you stop using the cream. To avoid staining the bath or shower, always rinse it with lukewarm (not hot) water after you have washed off the cream. If any deposits of Micanol are left on the surface of the bath or shower you can use a suitable cleanser to remove them.

Micanol cream may also stain fabric such as clothing, bed linen and furniture. To remove staining on clothing or bed linen, you should rinse the item in lukewarm water only (no hotter than 30°C). However, some staining may be permanent, so when using the cream, wear old clothes that you don't mind if they become stained.

Dithranol can cause skin irritation, such as redness or a burning sensation. If any irritation becomes severe, either use the cream less frequently or, if using 3% cream, go back to the lower 1% strength. If any skin irritation persists, or if you get irritation of the healthy skin around the psoriasis, stop using the cream and consult your doctor.

Use with caution in

Not to be used on

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It should only be used by pregnant women if clearly necessary. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.

Women who are breastfeeding should not apply this cream to the breast area, to avoid the infant accidentally ingesting it. Make sure that the cream does not come into contact with the baby's skin or mouth. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication is to be spread thinly and sparingly on the skin.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Redness or burning sensation of the treated skin or the surrounding skin

Brownish staining of the treated skin or the surrounding skin (this will disappear within one to two weeks after finishing treatment)

Temporary staining of fingernails, or grey or white hair

Allergic skin rash.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already using, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new medicines while using this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

You shouldn't apply any other medicines to your skin at the same time as the 'short contact' with this cream.

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